Foolproof Fudge

The holidays are winding down, and I'm reflecting on the fact that I ate 45 lbs of fudge between Christmas Eve and New Year's Day. Fudge is such a quintessential holiday food. Eat a fistful in May and your friends will whisper behind your back. Eat that much in December and you're just one of the gang.

My mom's fudge has been consistent and delicious since I was in braces. Her recipe comes from a Diamond Walnut ad that she ripped out of the December issue of Family Circle Magazine... 13 years ago. The ad says, "This season, try standing next to luscious Foolproof Fudge instead of mistletoe. Good things are bound to happen." 90's ads make me laugh.

My mom's old magazine page probably wouldn't survive a trip through the photocopier, so I'm saving it here. The name Foolproof Fudge couldn't be more apt. This recipe is easy.

Peppermint Bark and Chocolate Pretzel Rods

Ho Ho Ho! It's Christmas Eve, and I am literally wearing pants with an elastic waistband as I type this. The jeans and I are done until 2010, but I'm headed home to my mom's kitchen, where this cooking madness all began for me.

I wanted to share a couple of really quick, really easy recipes in case the last-minute baking bug bites. Peppermint bark has been a favorite in my family for years, and it couldn't be simpler. The trick is getting good quality white chocolate. I prefer getting a block of white chocolate from my favorite cooking store, but if you're shopping at the grocery store, white chocolate chips are fine too.

Melt your chocolate (about two bags of chips) on a double boiler. If it's not melting smoothly, add a couple tablespoons of butter (it's ok, butter is fat free during the holidays).